Todd Hunt looks like a pleasant, buttoned-up corporate type. But when he opens his mouth, audiences reel with laughter. His stories and examples, delivered with the sly wit of a seasoned comedian, stick with you long after his program.
As an executive at Ogilvy & Mather, one of the world’s largest advertising agencies, Todd learned the “inner workings” of communication. Additional jobs with an insurance administrator, direct marketing company and ad department of a major retailer confirmed what he had suspected all along — we all mess up communicating!
Then he started his own successful marketing agency in Chicago. Working with trade associations, retailers, non-profits and financial companies, Todd sold insurance, credit accounts, trade shows, seminars, theater tickets, memberships and other products and services to consumer and business audiences.
One day he discovered that people were hungry to hear his funny stories about sales, customer service, leadership and change, which he gathered during his business career. Now a professional speaker, he inspires hundreds of groups each year to improve communication and success.
“The perfect balance to a heavy business meeting. You’ll be a tough act to follow next year!”
“Thanks for kicking off our first virtual conference on a high note. Your use of props and video kept our members engaged and entertained. Much more interesting than watching somebody read slides.”
“Your ability to capture the audience and engage them in laughter, not only at life situations but at themselves as well, is truly a gift.”
“ Our members really enjoyed themselves and I am still hearing positive feedback!”
“Your humor added just the right touch to our convention, and you challenged us to take a good look at how we communicate (or miscommunicate, as the case may be) with customers and employees.”
“You have a great sense of humor and are so entertaining—and I enjoyed how you wove the importance of good communication into it.”
“All of our guests — and we were a mixed group of dealership employees, educational leaders, students and parents — were laughing and agreeing with your analysis of communication blunders. It was nice hearing clean humor and learning valuable lessons at the same time.”
“You are a real HIT — thanks for helping make our convention a huge success!”
“Your captivating talk and personal experience with business communications was very entertaining and informational. You were a big hit with our members.”
“Very funny and entertaining, but also very thought provoking. Based on the comments I’ve heard this week, I think there was a lot of learning going on amongst the laughs. People identified with your customer service stories and the importance of good communications.”
“People are still thanking us for bringing you in…Our group represented many areas — administrative, purchasing, operations, finance — and all levels, from entry to senior vice president. Your wit and insight into communications struck a chord with everyone…You poked fun at yourself first, which gave us permission to laugh at the many ways we miscommunicate with teachers, students, parents, administrators and each other. In such a fun, open atmosphere, the lessons really stuck.”
“We tried to ensure laughter was a big part of the program since we deal with so many serious situations with distraught customers. You certainly helped us get started on the right foot! You captured the audience’s attention well and were so entertaining but effective in getting across some important communication messages. I actually retained lots of your points to relay to our office staff today!”
“You’re the funniest speaker I’ve heard, and you made excellent points. Nice change from our usual accounting jargon.”
“Thank you for your humorous and timely reminders of communication missteps. Many of our members commented on their enjoyment of your presentation.”
“It is often challenging to find a speaker with a good balance of content and humor. Our program committee wanted to make sure members were engaged throughout the session while learning lessons they could take back to their offices. Your humor was refreshing, and based on content – not just funny for the sake of being funny.”
“Thank you for making me laugh and laugh and laugh! I used to laugh a lot, but I don’t anymore. I needed this.”
“I can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard at myself. The material was engaging, the speaker was energized and I was thoroughly entertained as he shared some valuable communication tips.”
“Hiring you was the best thing our state association could have done for our 40th Annual Conference!”
